Summer is a great time for a camping trip with the family. And generally, during the summer, we spend more time outdoors swimming, hiking, and playing softball with our buddies. July was declared National Park and Recreation Month encouraging the public to get out and enjoy nature’s beauty. No matter your activity of choice this summer, we are happy to see you getting out there and staying healthy. We have a special concern for your oral health, so let’s keep those smiles healthy and safe with an emergency kit for dental injuries.

Is your dental office phone number saved?

Summer activities are keeping you active and healthy, but they also have the potential of causing dental injuries. For starters, keep dental emergency information like the phone number of your dentist and your dental benefits information readily available, so it’s easy to find during an emergency or if you’re away from home. Pass this information on to your childcare provider or family members who are watching your kids.

Cotton balls or gauze pads – to help stop bleeding and temporarily protect an injury.

Hydrogen peroxide – to disinfect and to use for cleaning an injury.

Salt – to make a soothing mouthwash, dissolve with warm water.

Floss – to remove stuck particles from teeth in order to relieve pain.

Dental wax – to cover up sharp or broken orthodontic wires and brackets or a fractured tooth.

Pain reliever – to help with any oral pain.

Topical anesthetic – to help manage oral pain more directly.

Vaseline – to temporarily reattach a crown, but see a dentist as soon as possible.

Temporary dental filling material – store-bought products will keep the injured tooth protected temporarily, but, again, get to a dentist as quickly as soon as you can.

If you’re out camping, having these supplies can help with a bit tongue or lip. If the injury is more serious, like a knocked out tooth, you’ll need to get to an emergency room or a dentist’s office.

If your tooth is knocked out…

If you, a family member or friend has a tooth knocked out, first rinse the tooth with cold water. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a clean container with milk, water or saliva. The 30 minutes after the injury is critical with a knocked out tooth. To try to save the tooth, get to a dentist as soon as possible.